If you’re using Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, it’s important to know that the photos and audio you capture may be helping to train Meta’s AI assistant. According to Meta’s own admission, the company can use the visual and audio inputs you share through its AI features to improve its smart assistant.
Meta’s policy communications manager, Emil Vazquez, explained in a statement to TechCrunch that “Images and videos shared with Meta AI may be used to improve it, per our Privacy Policy.”
How Does Meta Use Your Photos?
Meta only uses images and videos that you intentionally share with its AI, such as through the Look and Ask feature. This tool allows the glasses to take a picture, then use it to answer questions like “What landmark is this?” or “Translate this sign.”
If you’re not in the U.S. or Canada—regions where Meta AI is fully active—or if you don’t use the AI features of the glasses, your photos should remain private unless you post them on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, where Meta has permission to train its AI on your posts.
No Privacy for AI Image Analysis
Unfortunately, there’s no way to use Meta’s AI image analysis tools and keep your photos private. To use these features, you must agree to share your images for AI training. The only way to maintain privacy is to stop using AI-related functions on the glasses.
Why This Isn’t Surprising
While it may feel unsettling that Meta is using your photos to train its AI, this practice is common among AI developers. Many companies, including Google and Apple, rely on user data to improve their AI systems. However, Meta’s reliance on cloud-based AI means that data sharing is more prevalent compared to companies that emphasize on-device privacy.
A Growing Concern for Wearable Tech
Even with safeguards like a physical switch to turn off the glasses or selective image sharing, the concern remains that users might unintentionally train Meta’s AI. This could become a bigger issue as AI becomes easier to activate with natural speech, increasing the risk of unintentionally sharing images.
As Meta prepares to launch new products like its Meta Orion AR glasses, privacy concerns will continue to be a key issue. Users need clear alerts about how their data is used and more opt-out options that don’t restrict functionality.
For now, it’s best to be cautious about what you capture and share with your Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, as those moments may not be as private as you think.
